Lemon balm tea: does it have caffeine, and how do you make it?

No. Plain lemon balm tea is naturally caffeine-free, because lemon balm is an herb, not the tea plant that green and black tea come from. Here's what it tastes like, how to brew it hot or iced, and how tea bags compare with loose leaf.

What lemon balm is

Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) is a leafy perennial herb in the mint family. Rub a leaf and it smells clearly of lemon. Brewed, the flavour is softer than you'd expect: mild, green and gently citrusy, with none of the sourness of lemon juice.

The name Melissa comes from the Greek word for bee, since bees love its small white flowers. It isn't the same plant as lemongrass or lemon verbena, though all three show up in citrus-style herbal teas. To learn what lemon balm itself tastes like, start with a single-herb tea.

Why lemon balm tea has no caffeine

Caffeine in tea comes from the tea plant, Camellia sinensis, which gives us green, black, white and oolong tea. Herbal teas like lemon balm, peppermint and chamomile are infusions of other plants, so on their own they're caffeine-free. Our herbal tea guide sorts more of them by flavour and moment.

Watch out for blends

Blends are where it gets tricky. One example from our fridge: Booch's Sparkling Green Tea Ginger, Turmeric & Lemon Balm is a jun made from fermented green tea, so it isn't a caffeine-free drink even though lemon balm is on the label.

BoochSparkling Green Tea Ginger, Turmeric & Lemon BalmA sparkling jun made from fermented green tea, so it contains caffeine.Shop →

Tea bags or loose leaf?

We carry lemon balm three ways for tea, and all three are organic lemon balm and nothing else.

The bulk leaf is the most flexible option: brew a whole pot, make iced tea for a crowd, or mix it with peppermint or chamomile. You'll need an infuser, filter or strainer, and you're welcome to bring your own jar to the bulk station.

Bulk stationOrganic lemon balm leafCut and sifted dried leaf. Buy as much or as little as you like.Shop →

How to make lemon balm tea

1. Measure it out. Per 240 mL (1 cup) of water: one tea bag, a heaped teaspoon of dried leaf in an infuser, or a small handful of fresh leaves, bruised a little to release the scent.
2. Pour over freshly boiled water. Use a mug for one cup or a teapot for more.
3. Cover and steep 5 to 10 minutes. Covering it keeps the aromatic oils in your cup instead of the air.
4. Strain and taste. Squeeze the bag or strain the leaves. If you want it stronger, use more leaf next time rather than steeping it all day.

Iced lemon balm tea

Brew a double-strength batch (twice the bags or leaf for the same amount of water), steep covered, then strain. Let it cool, refrigerate, and pour over ice. Double strength means the ice won't water it down.

Add a few lemon slices, a sprig of mint or a few slices of cucumber. Keep it covered in the fridge and drink it within a couple of days.

What to add for flavour

Honey. A little Nova Scotia honey suits lemon balm's soft citrus. Stir it in once the tea has cooled slightly.

Cosman & WhiddenPure Nova Scotia HoneyNova Scotia honey in a 500 g jar.Shop →

Lemon or ginger. A slice of lemon sharpens the flavour, and a coin of fresh ginger gives it warmth in winter.

Other herbs. Peppermint makes it brighter, and chamomile makes it rounder and more floral. Taste lemon balm on its own first so you know what you're adding to.

If lemon balm is the only thing in the cup, there's no caffeine in the cup.

Lemon balm tea vs lemon balm supplements

Lemon balm also comes as tinctures and capsules. These are concentrated natural health products, and an eight-digit NPN on the label shows they're licensed for sale in Canada.

A product's licensed wording and directions apply to that product at the dose on its label. They don't tell you how much loose leaf to put in a teapot, and a cup of tea isn't a substitute for them. Some boxed herbal teas sold in Canada are licensed too; if yours has an NPN, the licensed use and directions are printed on the box.

Is lemon balm tea safe to drink every day?

For most adults, a cup or two of herbal tea is an ordinary part of the day. A few things are worth knowing.

Medications and pregnancy. If you're pregnant or breastfeeding, take prescription medication (including for your thyroid or for sleep), or have surgery coming up, ask your pharmacist, doctor or naturopathic doctor before using lemon balm regularly, especially concentrated forms.

It isn't a weight-loss tea. You'll see lemon balm promoted for belly fat online. There's no good evidence for that, and we don't sell it that way.

Questions we get a lot

Does lemon balm tea have caffeine?

No. Single-herb lemon balm tea is naturally caffeine-free. Blends with green tea, black tea or yerba mate do contain caffeine.

What does lemon balm tea taste like?

Mild and lightly lemony, with a soft herbal, minty background. It's gentler than lemon juice and less grassy than lemongrass.

What time of day should I drink it?

Any time. Because it's caffeine-free, a lot of people drink it in the evening in place of regular tea.

Can I make lemon balm tea from my garden?

Yes. Use fresh leaves, or dry them in a single layer somewhere airy and out of direct sun, then store them in a sealed jar. Lemon balm spreads easily, so a pot keeps it in check.

Is lemon balm the same as lemongrass?

No. Lemon balm is a leafy herb in the mint family. Lemongrass is a tall grass used in cooking and tea. They taste different and are different plants.

Find lemon balm tea in the tea aisle and loose lemon balm at the bulk station at both stores: 486 Starboard Drive in Bedford and 590 Portland Street in Dartmouth. Our guide to loose herbs for tea covers nettle, chamomile, hibiscus and more. In HRM, order with Luminate Express for same-day delivery, or choose pickup. Anywhere else in Canada, orders over $80 ship free.

This article is general information, not medical advice.